Luis Suarez saved Uruguay’s place in the Copa America third-place match against Canada on Sunday night (July 14, 2024/CEST) with a goal in injury time, taking them to penalties – and also scored the last attempt there.
Ismael Kone (22nd minute) and Jonathan David (80th minute) had put Copa debutant Canada in the lead after Rodrigo Bentancur (8th minute) had scored for Uruguay. Then Suarez made his entrance. It was already injury time when he scored the 2-2 (1-1) equalizer (90th+2).
There is no extra time at the Copa America. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, the match is decided on penalties. He scored the last attempt there. Uruguay won 4:3 on penalties – partly because Canada’s Alphonso Davies only hit the crossbar with his shot.
Suarez says: “It’s only the effort of the whole group that counts”
In the previous five games, Suarez, 37, had only been used three times. He played a total of 31 minutes. Now he was substituted in for the second half – and immediately became a hero. The equalizer was his 69th goal in 142nd international match. His future in the national team is uncertain.
“Today, the only thing that counts is the effort of the whole group, the Suarez issue is a different story,” Suarez replied to the corresponding questions shortly after the final whistle in Charlotte.
Copa final – and also a final for Messi?
The oldest tournament of nations in the world, which this time includes six CONCACAF associations in addition to the ten South Americans, ends on Sunday with the final between Argentina and Colombia. Superstar Lionel Messi’s team could become the sole record champions with their 16th title, while a win would mean Colombia’s second title after 2001.